Optimum Nutrition ZMA Cons

What You Need To Know About Optimum Nutrition ZMA

Optimum Nutrition ZMA is a three-pronged vitamin and mineral supplement; the three active ingredients are Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6. According to the manufacturers, the product “can help fill gaps in your micronutrient intake”. Customers use the product for a variety of reasons, primarily improved performance in the gym, improved sleep patterns (and a non-sedative treatment for insomnia), and to support healthy testosterone levels. Zinc is required by the body to make testosterone, and so a zinc deficiency can lead to a dip in testosterone levels.

This supplement should not be combined with any other multivitamin and mineral supplement that provides zinc, magnesium, or vitamin B6.

What Are The Side Effects Of Optimum Nutrition ZMA?

Optimum Nutrition ZMA contains only a few vitamins and minerals, but this does not mean that it is necessarily free from side effects. This supplement should not be combined with other multivitamin and mineral supplements. This is to minimise the chances of side effects developing from over-supplementation. There are reports in customer reviews that vivid dreams are a common side effect. There are also numerous customer comments about experiencing “morning wood” more often after taking the supplement.

Too much zinc or magnesium can cause diarrhoea, nausea, and cramping. When taken in high doses over a period of time, zinc can lower the body’s immunity and its levels of HDL (aka “good”) cholesterol. Taking supplemental B6 may cause nerve damage.

Zinc and magnesium can make it harder for your body to absorb some prescription medications, such as antibiotics; and B6 supplements can intensify the side effects of certain drugs.

How Much Does Optimum Nutrition ZMA Cost?

Optimum Nutrition ZMA can be purchased from the official Optimum Nutrition website. There are two bottle sizes available; a 90 capsule bottle costs $13.99, and a bottle of 180 capsules costs $24.99. Delivery charges may also apply.

If taken as directed, a small bottle will provide a 30-day supply, whilst a large bottle will provide a 60-day supply.

The supplement is also available from an extensive list of third-party online retailers. Amazon charge $12.26 for a bottle containing 90 capsules, and $22.06 plus delivery charges for a bottle of 180 capsules.

Customers in the UK can order from Amazon’s UK website; there a bottle of 90 capsules costs £15.86, with free delivery. Dolphin Fitness, also based in the UK, charge £15.19 per bottle of 90 capsules. They also offer progressive discounts for bulk purchases. Delivery charges may also apply.

Our Verdict On Optimum Nutrition ZMA

The majority of the debate over the use of ZMA is regarding the benefits it actually delivers. The results of clinical trials vary hugely, but it cannot be denied that all three elements of this supplement, Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6, are required by the body for adequate function. Because the clinical trials are so mixed, we have decided to rely upon anecdotal evidence from consumers and reviewers of Optimum Nutrition ZMA. Many people have found that this supplement can contribute towards improved sleep patterns (although this could possibly be partially a placebo effect). If men are deficient in zinc it can hinder their testosterone production, and so in some cases taking this product could indirectly increase testosterone levels back to normal. Testosterone plays a huge role in muscle mass growth and maintenance, and so in theory, this could be affected too by zinc supplementation.

The product is covered by a very generous money-back policy when purchased directly from the manufacturer’s official website; there is a limit to the guarantee, but as it is a fair use policy and consumers can return opened and used products (as long as 75% of the product or more remains) we are more than happy with this policy.

A more complete multivitamin and mineral supplement may be of more benefit to many readers than this particular supplement. Overall, we do not recommend Optimum Nutrition ZMA to our readers as a workout or performance aid, but it could potentially benefit some who struggle with insomnia.

Optimum Nutrition ZMA Review

Optimum Nutrition ZMA is a three-pronged vitamin and mineral supplement; the three active ingredients are Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6. According to the manufacturers, the product “can help fill gaps in your micronutrient intake”. Customers use the product for a variety of reasons, primarily improved performance in the gym, improved sleep patterns (and a non-sedative treatment for insomnia), and to support healthy testosterone levels. Zinc is required by the body to make testosterone, and so a zinc deficiency can lead to a dip in testosterone levels.

Optimum Nutrition ZMA Facts

Manufactured by Optimum Nutrition

90 or 180 capsules per bottle

30 or 60 day supply

An alternative to taking a ZMA supplement is to increase your consumption of foods that are high in zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Nuts such as almonds and cashews, beans, grains, and spinach are all rich in magnesium. Vitamin B6 can be found in fish, fruit, potatoes, and fortified bread and breakfast cereals. Red meat, poultry, and oysters are good sources of zinc. If you still want to supplement, then taking a more complete multivitamin and mineral supplement is another good choice instead of just choosing a ZMA supplement; choosing one that provides 100% of the RDA for each is a good idea; remember that you are already getting a range of vitamins and minerals from the foods that you eat each day.

How to Take Optimum Nutrition ZMA

Directions for use are not provided in detail on the official website. The daily serving size appears to be three capsules, and the directions for use merely state “when to use: after meals”. If taking this supplement to aid sleep, the general consensus is to take three capsules shortly before going to bed.

Optimum Nutrition ZMA is manufactured by Optimum Nutrition, an American company who are based in Downers Grove, Illinois. They can be contacted using the information on their official website or using any of their social media pages. Optimum Nutrition pride themselves on maintaining a “Gold Standard”, with strict standards for “ingredients selection, quality control, lab testing and manufacturing processes”.

Optimum Nutrition ZMA Concerns:

Lucid and vivid dreams (and nightmares) appears to be a common side effect

More expensive than other multivitamins (still cheap overall)

What Does Optimum Nutrition ZMA Claim To Do?

The manufacturers provide the following description of the product’s benefits:

Because athletes and active adults have greater nutrient needs than inactive people, ON’s ZMA provides more than ample amounts of Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6. This novel Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate formula can help fill gaps in your micronutrient intake.

Contains the PATENTED BLEND of Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6

May Offer Even Better Results When “Stacked” with Creatine, Glutamine, HMB, or Other Strength & Recovery Products

Does Optimum Nutrition ZMA Work?

There are lots of different effects and benefits attributed to ZMA, but the clinical and anecdotal evidence is far from united or conclusive. Based upon customer reviews, it does seem that this supplement can help to improve sleep quality.

If male consumers have lowered testosterone levels caused by a zinc deficiency, then taking this supplement could help to support testosterone levels and raise them up to normal levels.

At the end of the day, there is no denying that the only claim made about the product on the official Optimum Nutrition website, that it “can help fill gaps in your micronutrient intake”, is indeed correct. Having said that, it can only fill three gaps, and so for many a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral supplement may be a better choice.

What Are The Ingredients of Optimum Nutrition ZMA?

The ingredients found in Optimum Nutrition ZMA are detailed below. The ingredient quantities listed are per serving of three capsules.

Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 10.5 mg (525% RDA): Vitamin B6 has several important functions in the body, including ‘allowing the body to use and store energy from protein and carbohydrates in food’. Whilst taking excess amounts of vitamin B6 will not infinitely improve this ability, a deficiency could make it more difficult to lose weight. Vitamin B6 is naturally present in a wide variety of foods, including meat, cereals, bread, and vegetables, and is often included in fortified breakfast cereals. Source

Magnesium (as aspartate) 450 mg (113% RDA): Magnesium is one of the electrolytes that our body needs to function properly, but that is expelled from the body through urine and sweating. Magnesium is used for over 600 functions in the body, and so it is definitely important to get enough, ideally through diet. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation could enhance exercise performance. Source

Zinc (as aspartate and monomethioinine) 30 mg (200% RDA): This convenient way of taking zinc could help to boost muscle power and achievement in the gym, but studies are mixed. It has also been associated with restful sleep. However, it will only be effective in cases where the customer has a zinc deficiency. Treating a zinc deficiency can also help to boost testosterone levels, as zinc is a key component of testosterone. Source

Does Optimum Nutrition ZMA Have Any Side Effects?

Optimum Nutrition ZMA contains only a few vitamins and minerals, but this does not mean that it is necessarily free from side effects. This supplement should not be combined with other multivitamin and mineral supplements. This is to minimise the chances of side effects developing from over-supplementation. There are reports in customer reviews that vivid dreams are a common side effect. There are also numerous customer comments about experiencing “morning wood” more often after taking the supplement.

Too much zinc or magnesium can cause diarrhoea, nausea, and cramping. When taken in high doses over a period of time, zinc can lower the body’s immunity and its levels of HDL (aka “good”) cholesterol. Taking supplemental B6 may cause nerve damage.

Zinc and magnesium can make it harder for your body to absorb some prescription medications, such as antibiotics; and B6 supplements can intensify the side effects of certain drugs.

Caution:

Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women without approval from your doctor. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about the suitability of this supplement for you.

Are There Any Customer Reviews For Optimum Nutrition ZMA?

There are lots of customer reviews for this supplement on Amazon, one of the many websites where the product is sold. The product has a very high overall rating, but there are some people who noticed no benefits while taking Optimum Nutrition ZMA. Many of the reviews were written by consumers taking the product as a way of improving their sleep quality/patterns.

I do weight training 3 times/week, but didn’t buy this for muscle recovery/endurance. Bought this due to difficulty falling asleep and waking up often during the night–ZMA reportedly helps with sleep issues. Really have not noticed any benefit or problems from this product…after completing the bottle I cannot report any improvement in sleep quality, nor muscle recovery/endurance. I’m just $20 poorer.

Definitely gives you lucid dreams and boners in the morning as other people reported.

I stopped taking it because I get enough through my diet now. (Not boners, but Zinc & Magnesium for those that didn’t know what I meant)

Been using this product for a few years. Puts me into REM sleep faster. I wake up before my alarm goes off every time, because I’m well rested. I wake up from 5 hrs of well rested sleep vs 8+ hrs of mediocre sleep without it. I can’t attest to any increase in testosterone etc, but that may just be a byproduct of better sleep/recovery. The sleep aid alone is worth it. No side effects.

Seemed a little extreme for me, gave me headaches. Bit too big of a dose when you already get vitamins from food. Maybe good for a restricted diet.

Very disappointed with this purchase. I have taken Zinc, B6 and Magnesium (in several forms) separately for quite a while. I thought this would simplify things by combining what I’m already taking in a single product. There’s not a pleasant way to say this, but using this product for me results in diarrhea… I tried lowering my dose from the daily 3 down to 2… no change… tried reducing to 1… no change… tried discontinuing for 2 weeks and then resuming with 1 per day – same problem. Apparently from reading other reviews and even google searches, many many people encounter the same problem.

ZMA has two purposes. 1) to help you sleep better and throughout the night. 2) to help with muscle recovery. When I first started taking this it worked beautifully but as i kept using it I think my body got use to it and I started waking up in the middle of the night. ON makes quality products and I dont have to worry about any fillers that some companies add. ZMA can give the user vivid dreams so be warned.

Does Optimum Nutrition ZMA Offer a Money-Back Guarantee?

Optimum Nutrition offers a generous returns policy on products purchased directly from their official website; some opened products are accepted, but only if less than 25% of the product has been used. This policy allows customers to try the product out without risk, but prevents abuse of the returns policy.

They state:

ON may accept returns of merchandise purchased directly from ON through the Site only when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

The merchandise must be received by ON within 30 days of your purchase, no returns will be accepted after this time period.

You must provide your Purchase Order number as received when your order was placed through the Site.
Apparel and Accessories: Apparel and accessories must be unworn, unwashed and in good condition with all original tags and labels attached to the item and in the original packaging.

Dietary Supplements and other consumable products: Dietary supplements and other consumable product returns are only accepted if it was purchased through optimumnutrition.com or Consumer Affairs for which 75% or more of the product is unused.

If you need to make a return, please call us during normal business hours (9-5 Central M-F) before sending the merchandise back. You will be asked to provide your Purchase Order number as received when an order was placed on the Site. Once we determine that your merchandise is eligible for return (see Return Policy), you will be issued a Return Authorization Number and given instructions on how to complete the process.

The returns policies of third-party retailers may vary and should be checked individually.

Where Can I Buy Optimum Nutrition ZMA?

Optimum Nutrition ZMA can be purchased from the official Optimum Nutrition website. There are two bottle sizes available; a 90 capsule bottle costs $13.99, and a bottle of 180 capsules costs $24.99. Delivery charges may also apply.

The supplement is also available from an extensive list of third-party online retailers. Amazon charge $12.26 for a bottle containing 90 capsules, and $22.06 plus delivery charges for a bottle of 180 capsules.

Customers in the UK can order from Amazon’s UK website; there a bottle of 90 capsules costs £15.86, with free delivery. Dolphin Fitness, also based in the UK, charge £15.19 per bottle of 90 capsules. They also offer progressive discounts for bulk purchases. Delivery charges may also apply.

Bodybuilding.com charge $12.73 for a 90 capsule bottle, and $22.17 for a 180 capsule bottle. Delivery charges also apply.

iHerb charge $25.95 per bottle of 180 capsules, plus delivery charges. They offer an extensive list of countries that they ship to, and customers can pay in a choice of numerous different currencies.

Summary: Optimum Nutrition ZMA

2.9 out of 5

Optimum Nutrition ZMA Rating

The Muscle Watchdog does not recommend Optimum Nutrition ZMA.

Effectiveness

Safety

Price / Guarantee

About the Author: Tory Mason

As a sports nutritionist, Tory has helped hundreds of clients, as well as herself, get into their ideal shape after years of struggling. Her expertise makes Tory an invaluable member of our research team.

Tory spends her free time documenting her journey through the diet industry for an upcoming book.

Disclaimer: Our reviews and investigations are based on extensive research from the information publicly available to us and consumers at the time of first publishing the post. Information is based on our personal opinion and whilst we endeavour to ensure information is up-to-date, manufacturers do from time to time change their products and future research may disagree with our findings. If you feel any of the information is inaccurate, please contact us and we will review the information provided.

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